“Kinetics of growth and lipids accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris during batch heterotrophic cultivation : effect of different nutrient limitation strategies”. Sakarika M, Kornaros M, Bioresource technology 243, 356 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.06.110
Abstract: The present study aimed at: (1) determining the effect of sulfur addition on biomass growth and (2) assessing the effect of sulfur, phosphorus and nitrogen limitation on lipid accumulation by C. vulgaris SAG 211-11b. The sulfur cellular content was more than two-fold higher under nitrogen and phosphorus limitation (0.52% and 0.54% w w(-1), respectively) compared to sulfur requirements (0.20% w w(-1)) under sulfur limiting conditions. The nitrogen needs are significantly lower (2.81-3.35% w w(-1)) when compared to other microalgae and become 23% lower under nitrogen or phosphorus limitation. The microalga exhibited substrate inhibition above 30 g L-1 initial glucose concentration. Sulfur limitation had the most significant effect on lipid accumulation, resulting in maximum total lipid content of 53.43 +/- 3.93% g g(DW)(1). In addition to enhancing lipid productivity, adopting the optimal nutrient limitation strategy can result in cost savings by avoiding unnecessary nutrient additions and eliminate the environmental burden due to wasted resources. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2017.06.110
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“Lamé-Gielis curves in biology and geometry”. Gielis J, Shi P, Beirinckx B, Caratelli D, Ricci PE, (2021)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Lets settle together? Extending external selection from mainstream deammonification to high-rate activated sludge”. Van Winckel T, De Clippeleir H, Yapuwa H, Wett B, Bott C, Sturm B, Vlaeminck SE, Al-Omari A, Murthy S, , 13 p.
T2 (2016)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Light regime and growth phase affect the microalgal production of protein quantity and quality with Dunaliella salina”. Sui Y, Muys M, Vermeir P, D'Adamo S, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 275, 145 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.12.046
Abstract: The microalga Dunaliella salina has been widely studied for carotenogenesis, yet its protein production for human nutrition has rarely been reported. This study unveils the effects of growth phase and light regime on protein and essential amino acid (EAA) levels in D. salina. Cultivation under 24-h continuous light was compared to 12-h/12-h light/dark cycle. The essential amino acid index (EAAI) of D. salina showed accumulating trends up to 1.53 in the stationary phase, surpassing FAO/WHO standard for human nutrition. Light/dark conditions inferred a higher light-usage efficiency, yielding 597% higher protein and 1828% higher EAA mass on light energy throughout the growth, accompanied by 138% faster growth during the light phase of the light/dark cycle, compared to continuous light. The findings revealed D. salina to be especially suitable for high-quality protein production, particularly grown under light/dark conditions, with nitrogen limitation as possible trigger, and harvested in the stationary phase.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2018.12.046
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“Management principles of sustainable industrial chemistry”. Reniers G, Sörensen K, Vrancken K, (2012)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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Reniers G, Sö,rensen K, Vrancken K (2013) Management principles of sustainable industrial chemistry : theories, concepts and industrial examples for achieving sustainable chemical products and processes from a non-technological viewpoint. 274 p
Keywords: ME1 Book as editor or co-editor; Economics; Engineering Management (ENM); Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1002/9783527649488
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“The ManureEcoMine Pilot Plant : towards advanced nutrient management in livestock waste treatment”. Pintucci C, Peng L, Prat D, Colica G, Merijn P, Colsen J, Varga S, Sarli J, Benito O, Vlaeminck SE, , 13 p.
T2 (2016)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Measuring adaptive capacity of urban wastewater infrastructure : change impact and change propagation”. Spiller M, The science of the total environment 601-602, 571 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.05.161
Abstract: The ability of urban wastewater systems to adapt and transform as a response to change is an integral part of sustainable development. This requires technology and infrastructure that can be adapted to new operational challenges. In this study the adaptive capacity of urban wastewater systems is evaluated by assessing the interdependencies between system components. In interdependent and therefore tightly coupled systems, changes to one systems component will require alteration elsewhere in the system, therefore impairing the capacity of these systems to be changed. The aim of this paper is to develop a methodology to evaluate the adaptive capacity of urban wastewater systems by assessing how change drivers and innovation affect existing wastewater technology and infrastructure. The methodology comprises 7 steps and applies a change impact table and a design structure matrix that are completed by experts during workshops. Change impact tables quantify where change drivers, such as energy neutrality and resource recovery, require innovation in a system. The design structure matrix is a tool to quantify emerging changes that are a result of the innovation. The method is applied for the change driver of energy neutrality and shown for two innovations: a decentralised upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor followed by an anammox process and a conventional activated sludge treatment with enhanced chemical precipitation and high temperature-high pressure hydrolysis. The results show that the energy neutrality of wastewater systems can be address by either innovation in the decentralised or centralised treatment. The quantification of the emerging changes for both innovations indicates that the decentralised treatment is more disruptive, or in other words, the system needs to undergo more adaptation. It is concluded that the change impact and change propagation method can be used to characterise and quantify the technological or infrastructural transformations. In addition, it provides insight into the stakeholders affected by change.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2017.05.161
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“Mechanistic understanding of microbial activity inhibition : case study on sidestream deammonification for digester supernatant pretreated by thermal hydrolysis”. Zhang Q, De Clippeleir H, Shaw A, DeBarbadillo C, Su C, Al-Omari A, Wett B, Chandran K, Vlaeminck SE, Murthy S, , 5 p.
T2 (2016)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Metabolic and proteomic responses to salinity in synthetic nitrifying communities of Nitrosomonas spp. and Nitrobacter spp”. Ilgrande C, Leroy B, Wattiez R, Vlaeminck SE, Boon N, Clauwaert P, Frontiers in microbiology 9, 2914 (2018). http://doi.org/10.3389/FMICB.2018.02914
Abstract: Typically, nitrification is a two-stage microbial process and is key in wastewater treatment and nutrient recovery from waste streams. Changes in salinity represent a major stress factor that can trigger response mechanisms, impacting the activity and the physiology of bacteria. Despite its pivotal biotechnological role, little information is available on the specific response of nitrifying bacteria to varying levels of salinity. In this study, synthetic communities of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB Nitrosomonas europaea and/or Nitrosomonas ureae) and nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB Nitrobacter winogradskyi and/or Nitrobacter vulgaris) were tested at 5, 10, and 30 mS cm-1 by adding sodium chloride to the mineral medium (0, 40, and 200 mM NaCl, respectively). Ammonia oxidation activity was less affected by salinity than nitrite oxidation. AOB, on their own or in combination with NOB, showed no significant difference in the ammonia oxidation rate among the three conditions. However, N. winogradskyi improved the absolute ammonia oxidation rate of both N. europaea and N. ureae. N. winogradskyis nitrite oxidation rate decreased to 42% residual activity upon exposure to 30 mS cm-1, also showing a similar behavior when tested with Nitrosomonas spp. The nitrite oxidation rate of N. vulgaris, as a single species, was not affected when adding sodium chloride up to 30 mS cm-1, however, its activity was completely inhibited when combined with Nitrosomonas spp. in the presence of ammonium/ammonia. The proteomic analysis of a co-culture of N. europaea and N. winogradskyi revealed the production of osmolytes, regulation of cell permeability and an oxidative stress response in N. europaea and an oxidative stress response in N. winogradskyi, as a result of increasing the salt concentration from 5 to 30 mS cm-1. A specific metabolic response observed in N. europaea suggests the role of carbon metabolism in the production of reducing power, possibly to meet the energy demands of the stress response mechanisms, induced by high salinity. For the first time, metabolic modifications and response mechanisms caused by the exposure to salinity were described, serving as a tool toward controllability and predictability of nitrifying systems exposed to salt fluctuations.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.3389/FMICB.2018.02914
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“Microbial ecology of high-rate versus conventional activated sludge : environmental and operational parameters shape microbial structure, co-occurrence and functionality”. Seuntjens D, Meerburg FA, Vlaeminck SE, Roume H, Pieper DH, Jauregui R, Vilchez-Vargas R, Boon N, , 4 p.
T2 (2016)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Microbial food from light, carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas : kinetic, stoichiometric and nutritional potential of three purple bacteria”. Spanoghe J, Vermeir P, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource Technology 337, 125364 (2021). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2021.125364
Abstract: The urgency for a protein transition towards more sustainable solutions is one of the major societal challenges. Microbial protein is one of the alternative routes, in which land- and fossil-free production should be targeted. The photohydrogenotrophic growth of purple bacteria, which builds on the H2– and CO2-economy, is unexplored for its microbial protein potential. The three tested species (Rhodobacter capsulatus, Rhodobacter sphaeroides and Rhodopseudomonas palustris) obtained promising growth rates (2.3–2.7 d−1 at 28°C) and protein productivities (0.09–0.12 g protein L−1 d−1), rendering them likely faster and more productive than microalgae. The achieved protein yields (2.6–2.9 g protein g−1 H2) transcended the ones of aerobic hydrogen oxidizing bacteria. Furthermore, all species provided full dietary protein matches for humans and their fatty acid content was dominated by vaccenic acid (82–86%). Given its kinetic and nutritional performance we recommend to consider Rhodobacter capsulatus as a high-potential sustainable source of microbial food.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
Impact Factor: 5.651
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2021.125364
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Muys M (2019) Microbial protein as sustainable feed and food ingredient : production and nutritional quality of phototrophs and aerobic heterotrophs. 262 p
Abstract: In iets meer dan 30 jaar moeten we tot 50% meer eiwit produceren, terwijl onze conventionele lineaire voedselproductieketen reeds de grenzen van duurzaamheid overschrijdt. Microbieel eiwit (MP), de eiwitrijke biomassa van micro-organismen, werd onderzocht als nieuw voeder en voedselingrediënt in een circulaire eiwitproductieketen. MP-productie kan gebaseerd zijn op primaire grondstoffen om zo de inefficiënte stappen in de huidige eiwitproductie over te slaan, of de productie kan gebaseerd zijn op secundaire grondstoffen afkomstig van de verliezen in de conventionele productieketen (bijvoorbeeld afvalwater). Zowel indirecte als directe strategiën voor nutriëntenherwinning kunnen geïdentificeerd worden. Indirecte nutriëntenherwinning werd onderzocht door struviet toe te passen als fosfor- en stikstofbron voor MP-productie. Struviet, een herwinningsproduct in de afvalwaterzuivering, bleek een hoge zuiverheidsgraad te hebben waardoor het een uitstekende selectieve barrière vormt tussen afvalstroom en MP productie. Oplossingssnelheden en MP groei-experimenten toonden aan dat struviet gemakkelijk gedoseerd kan worden in functie van de microbiële nutriëntenbehoeftes, waarnaast problemen vermeden worden gerelateerd aan de turbiditeit van nevenstromen, wat de productie van fototrofe MP mogelijk maakt. Daarnaast werd ook directe nutriëntenherwinning onderzocht. Hierbij werden de voedingswaarde en veiligheid geanalyseerd van biomassa bestaande uit aerobe heterotrofe bacteriën (AHB) afkomstig van effluentzuivering van 25 bedrijven in de voedings- en drankensector. Verder werd ook de temporele variabiliteit in kaart gebracht. Er werd een veelbelovend eiwitgehalte geobserveerd waarvan de variabiliteit aanzienlijke was. Verder werd aangetoond dat het eiwitgehalte positief gecorreleerd was met stikstofbelasting en negatief met slibverblijftijd, wat een indicatie is dat de implementatie van een geoptimaliseerd productieproces, de biomassakwaliteit gevoelig kan verhogen. Bovendien was de veiligheid als veevoeder gegarandeerd op vlak van de meeste contaminanten. In het daarop volgende hoofdstuk werd de variabiliteit in voedingswaarde en veiligheid bestudeerd van commerciële fototrofe MP (de microalgen Chlorella en Spirulina), gekweekt op primaire grondstoffen. De waargenomen variabiliteit in voedingswaarde vereist verdere optimalisatie van het productieproces. Er werd ook waargenomen dat een hoog eiwitgehalte geen hoge totale voedingswaarde impliceert, omdat de verteerbaarheid en de eiwitkwaliteit nog steeds ongunstig kunnen zijn. Op basis van gemeten contaminanten geeft een veilige consumptiedosis aan dat microalgen perfect kunnen worden geconsumeerd als volwaardige eiwitbron in plaats van als supplement, hun huidige hoofdtoepassing. In een laatste experimenteel hoofdstuk werd onderzocht hoe de variabiliteit in biomassakwaliteit van microalgen kan worden gereduceerd en hoe een stabiele, hoogwaardige biomassaproductie kan worden bekomen. De invloed van oogsttijd, operationele modus en fotoperiode werd bepaald op de productiviteit van biomassa, eiwit en essentiële aminozuren en er werden optimale productieparameters geïdentificeerd. Samengevat is MP-productie op basis van indirecte en directe nutriëntenherwinning veelbelovend. Verdere technologische ontwikkelingen en het verhogen van bewustwording en sociale acceptatie, moeten een verdere introductie van MP in de voeder- en voedingsmarkt faciliteren. Hier kan MP een belangrijke oplossing vertegenwoordigen om de exponentieel groeiende wereldbevolking op een duurzame manier te voeden.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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Zhu W (2021) Microbial resource management for mainstream partial nitritation/anammox : strategies to enhance the nitrogen conversion efficiency. 207 p
Abstract: This thesis provides three potential ways to enhance the nitrogen removal efficiency of mainstream partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A), a key technology to enable energy-positive sewage treatment. In Chapter 1, the typical technologies to promote nitrogen removal efficiency are summarized. In Chapters 2 and 3, the concept ‘winter bioaugmentation with stored summer surplus sludge’ is proposed. Applying that, a cost-effective sludge preservation strategy is required. Preserving PN/A biomass without cooling and redox adjustment proved to be the cost-effective strategy. The reactivation of these stored sludges was also tested in low-temperature systems (15 and 10℃). Respectively 56% and 41% of granules activity compared to pre-storage activity (after Arrhenius-based temperature correction) could be recovered within a month (41% and 32% for flocs activity). In the end, the stored AnAOB bioaugmentation was successfully validated in the lab (20℃). In Chapter 4, a return-sludge nursery concept, applying the sidestream nitritation and blending the resulting effluent with mainstream effluent to achieve an intermediate temperature and nitrogen concentrations, is proposed. That led to a 33 – 36% increase in nitrogen removal efficiency. Arrhenius’ expectations (10 ℃ higher temperature, θ = 1.09) could only explain 49-51% of the activity increase in the nursery reactor, pointing to the role of other factors, e.g., the ~400% elevated electrical conductivity (15-16%), the 56-335% higher effluent nitrogen concentrations (12-14%), and the synergy and unknown factors (20-23%). Thus, the return-sludge biostimulation approach could also enhance nitrogen efficiency in the mainstream. In Chapter 5, the N2O emissions, linked to three typical nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB) suppression strategies (low dissolved oxygen (DO) level, free ammonia (FA), and free nitrous acids (FNA) treatments) were tested in a biofilm system. A low emerged DO level (~0.60 mg O2 L-1) was effective to suppress NOB activity and decrease N2O emissions, but NOB adaptation gradually appeared after 200 days. Further NOB inhibition was successfully achieved by periodical (3 hours per week) FA (~30 mg NH3-N L-1) or FNA (~3 mg HNO2-N L-1) treatments. The FA treatment promoted N2O production, while the FNA treatment had no effect. Thus, PN/A systems should be operated at relatively low DO levels with periodical FNA treatment. In Chapter 6, the major findings proposed and the main conclusions drawn in this thesis are outlined. Beyond that, the possible design of a mainstream PN/A configuration that combined all described three technologies is demonstrated. Overall, the novel insights from this thesis potential to improve nitrogen removal efficiency in the mainstream.
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Minimizing recalcitrant organics and maximizing nitrogen removal linked to advanced biosolids processing at Blue Plains WWTP”. Zhang Q, Higgins MJ, Vlaeminck SE, DeBarbadillo C, Suzuki R, Kharkar SM, Al-Omari A, Wett B, Chandran K, Murthy S, De Clippeleir H, , 12 p.
T2 (2017)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Mitigation of nitrous oxide emission from nitritation/denitritation process”. Peng L, Carvajal-Arroyo JM, Seuntjens D, Colica G, Pintucci C, Vlaeminck SE, , 3 p.
T2 (2017)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“The Mӧbius phenomenon in Generalized Mӧbius-Listing bodies with cross sections of odd and even polygons”. Gielis J, Tavkhelidze I, Sn –, 1512-0066 34, 23 (2020)
Keywords: A3 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Model-based assessment of estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge”. Peng L, Dai X, Liu Y, Sun J, Song S, Ni B-J, Chemosphere 197, 430 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.01.035
Abstract: Complete removal of estrogens such as estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), estriol (E3) and ethinylestradiol (EE2) in wastewater treatment is essential since their release and accumulation in natural water bodies are giving rise to environment and health issues. To improve our understanding towards the estrogen bioremediation process, a mathematical model was proposed for describing estrogen removal by nitrifying activated sludge. Four pathways were involved in the developed model: i) biosorption by activated sludge flocs; ii) cometabolic biodegradation linked to ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) growth; iii) non growth biodegradation by AOB; and iv) biodegradation by heterotrophic bacteria (HB). The degradation kinetics was implemented into activated sludge model (ASM) framework with consideration of interactions between substrate update and microorganism growth as well as endogenous respiration. The model was calibrated and validated by fitting model predictions against two sets of batch experimental data under different conditions. The model could satisfactorily capture all the dynamics of nitrogen, organic matters (COD), and estrogens. Modeling results suggest that for El, E2 and EE2, AOB-linked biodegradation is dominant over biodegradation by HB at all investigated COD dosing levels. However, for E3, the increase of COD dosage triggers a shift of dominant pathway from AOB biodegradation to HB biodegradation. Adsorption becomes the main contributor to estrogen removal at high biomass concentrations. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CHEMOSPHERE.2018.01.035
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Nikolova I (2012) Modeling emission, formation and dispersion of ultrafine particles in an urban environment. 191 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Modeling in mathematics : proceedings of the second Tbilisi-Salerno workshop on modeling in mathematics”. Gielis J, Ricci PE, Tavkhelidze I page 185 p. (2017).
Keywords: ME3 Book as editor; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.2991/978-94-6239-261-8
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Fenu A (2016) Modelling and operations of municipal membrane bioreactors : from conventional to novel applications. 180 p
Keywords: Doctoral thesis; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Modelling cometabolic biotransformation of sulfamethoxazole by an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria culture”. Peng L, Kassotaki E, Liu Y, Sun J, Dai X, Pijuan M, Rodriguez-Roda I, Buttiglieri G, Ni B-J, Chemical engineering science 173, 465 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CES.2017.08.015
Abstract: Antibiotics such as sulfamethoxazole (SFX) are environmentally hazardous after being released into the aquatic environment and challenges remain in the development of engineered prevention strategies. In this work, a mathematical model was developed to describe and evaluate cometabolic biotransformation of SFX and its transformation products (TPs) in an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) culture. The growth-linked cometabolic biodegradation by AOB, non-growth transformation by AOB and nongrowth transformation by heterotrophs were considered in the model framework. The production of major TPs comprising 4-Nitro-SFX, Desamino-SFX and N-4-Acetyl-SFX was also specifically modelled. The validity of the model was demonstrated through testing against literature reported data from extensive batch tests, as well as from long-term experiments in a partial nitritation sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and in a combined SBR + membrane aerated biofilm reactor performing nitrification/denitrification. Modelling results revealed that the removal efficiency of SFX increased with the increase of influent ammonium concentration, whereas the influent organic matter, hydraulic retention time and solid retention time exerted a limited effect on SFX biodegradation with the removal efficiencies varying in a narrow range. The variation of influent SFX concentration had no impact on SFX removal efficiency. The established model framework enables interpretation of a range of experimental observations on SFX biodegradation and helps to identify the optimal conditions for efficient removal. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CES.2017.08.015
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“Multiphysics modelling of membrane electroporation in irregularly shaped cells”. Mescia L, Chiapperino MA, Bia P, Lamacchia CM, Gielis J, Caratelli D, Progress in Electromagnetic Research Symposium (PIERS)
T2 –, 2019 PhotonIcs &, Electromagnetics Research Symposium –, Spring (PIERS-Spring), 17-20 June 2019, Rome, Italy , 2992 (2019). http://doi.org/10.1109/PIERS-SPRING46901.2019.9017428
Abstract: Electroporation is a non-thermal electromagnetic phenomenon widely used in medical diseases treatment. Different mathematical models of electroporation have been proposed in literature to study pore evolution in biological membranes. This paper presents a nonlinear dispersive multiphysic model of electroporation in irregular shaped biological cells in which the spatial and temporal evolution of the pores size is taken into account. The model solves Maxwell and asymptotic Smoluchowski equations and it describes the dielectric dispersion of cell media using a Debye-based relationship. Furthermore, the irregular cell shape has been modeled using the Gielis superformula. Taking into account the cell in mitosis phase, the electroporation process has been studied comparing the numerical results pertaining the model with variable pore radius with those in which the pore radius is supposed constant. The numerical analysis has been performed exposing the biological cell to a rectangular electric pulse having duration of 10 μs. The obtained numerical results highlight considerable differences between the two different models underling the need to include into the numerical algorithm the differential equation modeling the spatial and time evolution of the pores size.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1109/PIERS-SPRING46901.2019.9017428
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“New method for selective Cr recovery from stainless steel slag by NaOCl assisted alkaline leaching and consecutive BaCrO4 precipitation”. Kim E, Spooren J, Broos K, Nielsen P, Horckmans L, Vrancken KC, Quaghebeur M, Chemical engineering journal 295, 542 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CEJ.2016.03.073
Abstract: A new hydrometallurgical method was investigated for selective leaching of chromium from stainless steel slag (SS slag) consisting of temperature controlled extraction with NaOH in the presence of NaOCl, followed by water leaching. After parameter optimization of the NaOCl-NaOH extraction step, a selective Cr leaching of 68% was reached, while dissolution of matrix materials was low (Al 0.3%, Ca 2.0%, Si 0.4%). The optimum conditions for the investigated system are: 105 degrees C, 6 h, SS slag particle size <63 mu m, mass ratio of NaOH to SS slag 0.13, and 3.3 mmol NaOCl to 1 g SS slag. The described oxidative alkaline leaching process by hypochlorite enables selective recovery of Cr at a significantly lower temperature and required amount of alkaline agent than molten salt or alkaline roasting processes. BaCrO4 was precipitated to purify and concentrate Cr from the leachate in which also minor amounts of Mn and V were present. This method allowed for a 99.9% Cr recovery rate. The obtained leaching residue shows no alterations of the SS slag's mineralogy with respect to untreated material. Therefore, a known carbonation treatment of the slag can be applied to prepare novel construction materials with a lowered Cr content. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.CEJ.2016.03.073
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“A new sulfolane based solvent for CO₂, capture”. Wagaarachchige J, Idris Z, Kummamuru NB, Sætre KA, Halstensen M, Jens K-J, SSRN electronic journal (2021). http://doi.org/10.2139/SSRN.3817192
Abstract: This study presents novel sulfolane based non-aqueous CO2 capture solvents, as an alternative solution for capturing CO2 from industrial processes. In order to select the most promising amine system, five different amines were tested by monitoring CO2 absorption and desorption processes using the time-base Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy. During absorption experiments, we observed the formation of Monomethyl Carbonate (MMC) in diisopropylamine (DIPA) and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP) systems, while carbamate was observed as the main product for the other three amine systems tested. In regeneration experiments, the MMC could be desorbed relatively easily from the amine solution at a mild temperature.
Keywords: P1 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.2139/SSRN.3817192
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“Nitrification and microalgae cultivation for two-stage biological nutrient valorization from source separated urine”. Coppens J, Lindeboom R, Muys M, Coessens W, Alloul A, Meerbergen K, Lievens B, Clauwaert P, Boon N, Vlaeminck SE, Bioresource technology 211, 41 (2016). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.03.001
Abstract: Urine contains the majority of nutrients in urban wastewaters and is an ideal nutrient recovery target. In this study, stabilization of real undiluted urine through nitrification and subsequent microalgae cultivation were explored as strategy for biological nutrient recovery. A nitrifying inoculum screening revealed a commercial aquaculture inoculum to have the highest halotolerance. This inoculum was compared with municipal activated sludge for the start-up of two nitrification membrane bioreactors. Complete nitrification of undiluted urine was achieved in both systems at a conductivity of 75 mS cm−1 and loading rate above 450 mg N L−1 d−1. The halotolerant inoculum shortened the start-up time with 54%. Nitrite oxidizers showed faster salt adaptation and Nitrobacter spp. became the dominant nitrite oxidizers. Nitrified urine as growth medium for Arthrospira platensis demonstrated superior growth compared to untreated urine and resulted in a high protein content of 62%. This two-stage strategy is therefore a promising approach for biological nutrient recovery.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.BIORTECH.2016.03.001
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“The nitrogen and phosphorus budget of Flanders : a tool for efficient resource management”. Coppens J, Meers E, Boon N, Buysse J, Vlaeminck SE, , 3 p.
T2 (2015)
Keywords: P3 Proceeding; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
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“Nitrogen cycle microorganisms can be reactivated after Space exposure”. Lindeboom REF, Ilgrande C, Carvajal-Arroyo JM, Coninx I, Van Hoey O, Roume H, Morozova J, Udert KM, Sas B, Paille C, Lasseur C, Ilyin V, Clauwaert P, Leys N, Vlaeminck SE, Scientific reports 8, 13783 (2018). http://doi.org/10.1038/S41598-018-32055-4
Abstract: Long-term human Space missions depend on regenerative life support systems (RLSS) to produce food, water and oxygen from waste and metabolic products. Microbial biotechnology is efficient for nitrogen conversion, with nitrate or nitrogen gas as desirable products. A prerequisite to bioreactor operation in Space is the feasibility to reactivate cells exposed to microgravity and radiation. In this study, microorganisms capable of essential nitrogen cycle conversions were sent on a 44-days FOTON-M4 flight to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and exposed to 10(-3)-10(-4) g (gravitational constant) and 687 +/- 170 mu Gy (Gray) d(-1) (20 +/- 4 degrees C), about the double of the radiation prevailing in the International Space Station (ISS). After return to Earth, axenic cultures, defined and reactor communities of ureolytic bacteria, ammonia oxidizing archaea and bacteria, nitrite oxidizing bacteria, denitrifiers and anammox bacteria could all be reactivated. Space exposure generally yielded similar or even higher nitrogen conversion rates as terrestrial preservation at a similar temperature, while terrestrial storage at 4 degrees C mostly resulted in the highest rates. Refrigerated Space exposure is proposed as a strategy to maximize the reactivation potential. For the first time, the combined potential of ureolysis, nitritation, nitratation, denitrification (nitrate reducing activity) and anammox is demonstrated as key enabler for resource recovery in human Space exploration.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-32055-4
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“Nitrogen cycling in bioregenerative life support systems : challenges for waste refinery and food production processes”. Clauwaert P, Muys M, Alloul A, De Paepe J, Luther A, Sun X, Ilgrande C, Christiaens MER, Hu X, Zhang D, Lindeboom REF, Sas B, Rabaey K, Boon N, Ronsse F, Geelen D, Vlaeminck SE, Progress in aerospace sciences 91, 87 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1016/J.PAEROSCI.2017.04.002
Abstract: In order to sustain human life in an isolated environment, an efficient conversion of wasted nutrients to food might become mandatory. This is particularly the case for space missions where resupply from earth or in-situ resource utilization is not possible or desirable. A combination of different technologies is needed to allow full recycling of e.g. nitrogenous compounds in space. In this review, an overview is given of the different essential processes and technologies that enable closure of the nitrogen cycle in Bioregenerative Life Support Systems (BLSS). Firstly, a set of biological and physicochemical refinery stages ensures efficient conversion of waste products into the building blocks, followed by the production of food with a range of biological methods. For each technology, bottlenecks are identified. Furthermore, challenges and outlooks are presented at the integrated system level. Space adaptation and integration deserve key attention to enable the recovery of nitrogen for the production of nutritional food in space, but also in closed loop systems on earth.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1016/J.PAEROSCI.2017.04.002
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“Nitrous oxide production in a granule-based partial nitritation reactor : a model-based evaluation”. Peng L, Sun J, Liu Y, Dai X, Ni B-J, Scientific reports 7, 45609 (2017). http://doi.org/10.1038/SREP45609
Abstract: Sustainable wastewater treatment has been attracting increasing attentions over the past decades. However, the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent GHG, from the energy-efficient granule-based autotrophic nitrogen removal is largely unknown. This study applied a previously established N2O model, which incorporated two N2O production pathways by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (AOB denitrification and the hydroxylamine (NH2OH) oxidation). The two-pathway model was used to describe N2O production from a granule-based partial nitritation (PN) reactor and provide insights into the N2O distribution inside granules. The model was evaluated by comparing simulation results with N2O monitoring profiles as well as isotopic measurement data from the PN reactor. The model demonstrated its good predictive ability against N2O dynamics and provided useful information about the shift of N2O production pathways inside granules for the first time. The simulation results indicated that the increase of oxygen concentration and granule size would significantly enhance N2O production. The results further revealed a linear relationship between N2O production and ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) (R-2 = 0.99) under the conditions of varying oxygen levels and granule diameters, suggesting that bulk oxygen and granule size may exert an indirect effect on N2O production by causing a change in AOR.
Keywords: A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Sustainable Energy, Air and Water Technology (DuEL)
DOI: 10.1038/SREP45609
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